ETHOS Technical Reports

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

9-1-2017

Abstract

The purpose of the work done in Cochabamba, Bolivia was to improve upon the process for using dry urine-diverting toilets. CONSES, the partner organization, already had a basic method to eliminate pathogens in human feces using a solar oven followed by composting the pathogen-free product. However, the overall process took too much time and the compost piles attracted pests.

To fix these problems, various types of solar ovens and modifications were researched in addition to various methods of composting. In order to make an oven that was the most inexpensive, durable, and capable of high temperatures, a solar box cooker was deemed to be the best design, and was also already in use. Two differently modified ovens were constructed, one with larger reflective panels, and one with a modified angle and addition glass panes. Two additional solar cookers, were also prepared for future testing. A composter was also constructed that could compost the feces in less than one month while using minimal space and materials and protecting from household pests.

The next steps are to continue the long-term testing of the composter in order to evaluate its effectiveness. Also, tests monitoring the temperature of the four newer solar ovens as well as the original model for at least a 24 hour period should be recorded to determine which is most efficient.


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